“Rugby World Cup 2011 is set to be the biggest international sporting event in New Zealand’s history, from both an economic and tourism point of view," says Paul Muckleston, managing director, Microsoft New Zealand. "The number of international visitors anticipated to attend the tournament means as Kiwis this is our chance to showcase our country. Microsoft is very proud and excited to be involved.

“Our Microsoft colleagues in rugby playing nations around the world are buzzing about the sponsorship, and we look forward to providing a memorable and uniquely Kiwi experience to all those visiting New Zealand. The tournament will have access to some of our latest technology, such as Silverlight, which will enable fans who are unable to travel to New Zealand to view matches and match highlights online.”

Muckleston says Microsoft’s technology will also enhance the experience for those attending the tournament (with something similar to those tremendous Windows 7 launch parties, perhaps?) and software and cloud product services will be available to the tournament’s key stakeholders.

RWCL chairman Bernard Lapasset wheeled out the standard phrase to announce the deal, saying "the appointment of a world leader in the software and technology field further underlines the enormous attraction and prestige of the tournament in the global sporting calendar".

So far it's an impressive list of sponsors, with Emirates, MasterCard, Heineken, ANZ, DHL and Société Générale on board as top tier sponsors, or 'worldwide partners'; Brancott Estate, Toshiba, Land Rover and Microsoft as Official Sponsors; Licensing in Motion and RTH as Master Licencees; Canterbury as official sportswear supplier; Gilbert Rugby supplying the balls; Russell McVeagh upholding the law; KPMG taking the accounting and tax advisory services and Coca-Cola as official soft drinks supplier.

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Thinking outside the box: James Warburton and Mike Watkins on the future of APN Outdoor and billboards

After a performance that could be compared to stalling in 2017, StopPress sits down with APN Outdoor chief executive James Warburton, and general manager for New Zealand Mike Watkins, to hear how APN Outdoor is tracking financially, approaching the digital rollout and where they see the industry heading in the future.

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Why we like it: Many brands worldwide put out ads and campaigns in light of International Women's Day last week, some with questionable reasoning (looking at you McDonald's). It's great to see inspiration paired with action with this particular campaign, with women able to make a call to a respective leader to ask career questions or get advice about a particular field. With 17 leaders available, including author Joy Cowley and scientist Michelle Dickenson, we hope many Kiwi woman took up the opportunity to chat.

Who's it for: Bags Not by Bcg2 and Go Well Consulting

Why we like it: A campaign that wants to save the world is a good one in our books. The 'Bags Not' campaign encourages Kiwis to say no to plastic bags and supports them to change their single-use habits. Short and sweet and not too preachy, the ad uses celebrities such as artist Dick Frizell and writer and TV presenter, Jaquie Brown to help Kiwi consumers make a behaviour change. However, the proof will be in the pudding to see if Kiwis can cut down on the 1.6 billion single-use plastic bags used each year.

Who’s it for: BNZ by Colenso BBDO

Why we like it: This is the second phase of BNZ’s ‘Bank of You’ and it continues the focus on community and empathy. Featuring different communities in different situations the ad shows banking is more than just suits and spreadsheets. From flower shops to friends, New Zealanders are diverse and so are their interests.